Dubai leads the top five haunts to have New Year

Time to set your plans in stone for New Year's Eve and we have the places to see and be seen at in the Middle East...

W hether you want to party or relax, dine in or simply soak up the atmosphere while you enjoy the fireworks, Buro 24/7 Middle East has the best spots for you to be this coming New Year's Eve. Starting in the most expensive city in the world, Dubai, there's dinner at the world's tallest hotel and Martin Garrix at Meydan. Or jet over to Bahrain for some rest and relaxation otherwise Abu Dhabi is turning up trumps in the kitchen. Here's to 2016...

GATHER at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, the world's tallest hotel

Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar invites you to welcome the New Year at Rang Mahal with a signature five-course set-menu of modern Indian cuisine. Elsewhere, Tong Thai entices with its Thai Experience menu in a mix of traditional and contemporay setting. After dinner, head on up to Aqua for some celebratory fun and excitement, while enjoying the sounds of live entertainment by world famous American DJs Diamond and Chris Garcia. The prices for the New Year's dinner packages at Rang Mahal and Tong Thai are Dhs750 and Dhs500 respectively. For Aqua, tickets are Dhs750 per person including canapés and drinks or Dhs1300 per couple. For tickets, visit TixBox.

RELAX at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

With sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf on Bahrain's west coast, the 5-star Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa won Best Middle East Hotel at this year's Middle East Hotel Awards and it's the perfect spot for a quieter start to the New Year. With the only Thalassa Sea & Spa in the GCC, you can get away from the manic New Year's crowd and pamper yourself with their signature seawater technology, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Be sure to fully indulge and opt for one of the suites and villas. Book your relaxing stay at the Sofitel now.

PARTY with Martin Garrix at Meydan Dubai

The Dutch superstar DJ, best known for the 2013 track 'Animals' and winner of the the Best Electronic Music Artist award at the recent MTV Europe Music Awards, is considered to be one of the top three DJs in the world, and he's in Dubai this New Year. Garrix has previously collaborated with Usher and Avicii and will now light up Meydan together with his trio of supporting musical acts: Julian Jordan, Justin Mylo and Jay Hardway. Party the night away as you're served up fine food and drinks, great music and to top it all off, a fireworks display. You can purchase your tickets, which start from Dhs350, at Platinumlist.

Opened in the middle of 2015, Michelin-starred Spanish chef Sergi Arola has brought his world-renowned fine dining franchise to the UAE. The 14th of its kind worldwide, dine in on New Year's Eve and expect award-winning culinary dishes alongside a live band as well as a DJ who will entertain diners as the New Year is welcomed in. The New Year's Eve ultimate seven-course Spanish set menu costs Dhs1,300++ per person. Make your bookings now at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri.

Lounge at the Treehouse at Taj Dubai

Dubai's latest addition to the haute scene, Treehouse is a terrace lounge, which overlooks the Burj Khalifa, offering the best views of the fireworks when the clock strikes 12. With its rich Renaissance décor and groovy house tunes by Greece's own DJ Tayllor, you can be guaranteed a New Year's countdown experience unlike any other. Seats are priced at Dh2,250 and for VIP tables (up to 10 people), there is a minimum spend of Dh30,000. For reservations, call +971 50 648 3083.